Muslim group '˜extremely concerned' about racist attacks following Brexit

A Muslim group in Crawley whose members are '˜extremely concerned' about racist attacks is taking new action to try to promote peace.
Regional president Ahsan Ahmedi outside the Noor MosqueRegional president Ahsan Ahmedi outside the Noor Mosque
Regional president Ahsan Ahmedi outside the Noor Mosque

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are opening the doors of the Noor Mosque in Langley Green to the public in a bid to counter ‘Brexit hate messages.’

The move follows an incident earlier this month when graffiti was daubed on the doors of the mosque in Langley Drive.

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In a statement this week, regional president Ahsan Ahmedi said: “In light of last Thursday’s Europe Referendum and the consequence of a Brexit win, The Ahmadiyya Muslim community in Crawley is extremely concerned at some adverse racist reaction against some ethnic communities in the UK.

“Having recently suffered some hate graffiti at the Noor Mosque only recently, members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim community are extremely concerned that such sentiments can surface again.

“In light of that and the commitment to educate others about the true teachings of Islam as a peaceful and neighbourly religion, the Crawley Ahmadiyya Muslim branch has taken the opportunity to invite non-Muslim to their mosque and learn about Islam and share a meal by breaking the fast with them at Noor Mosque.

“It is their way of countering hate because it is only lack of knowledge which gives rise to such crimes and sentiments.”

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Local residents, councillors and members of the Hindu community have already visited the mosque where they learnt about fasting and the teaching of Islam.

Local president Abdul Gafoor said: “It is these sort of events that can reduce mistrust and intolerance, and it is a regular feature of what we do.

“Anyone who wishes to visit Noor Mosque is most welcome and we open our doors to schools, churches, temples and residents of Crawley. Our aim is to promote understanding and spread the message of peace, not hate.”

Sussex Police say that there has not been an overall increase in hate crimes reported since the referendum, unlike in some other parts of the country.